Category: Electrician

Defining Electrical Outlets: AFCI vs. GFCI vs. Childproof 

Electrical outlets aren’t usually something that is thought about during the day. They probably aren’t thought about unless the electrician is paying a visit to the home or if you’re buying a new large appliance that requires a special outlet. In either of these one-off situations, an introduction to the types of outlets in the home might be necessary. Knowing which types of electrical outlet installations are in your home will increase energy efficiency and safety. 

This article will break down the three main types of electrical outlets in a home: AFCI, GFCI, and childproof.

AFCI Outlets

An AFCI outlet is designed to detect when electricity leaks (arcing) from the electrical system. Electrical arcs occur when the walls have damaged cords or faulty wiring. The gaps in the wiring can cause the electricity to jump or arc and potentially catch fire on its surroundings. AFCI outlets can quickly detect arcing and instantly shut off the electricity before anything catastrophic happens.

These outlets can also detect parallel arcing in the wires, which is when the current may leap between a hot and neutral wire. Wire insulation is also capable of stripping if they come into contact with a screw from a power drill. If this happens, AFCI outlets are necessary to prevent a potential fire. AFCI outlets are a necessary part of a home and are installed during all new construction, but can also be installed during a home renovation. 

GFCI Outlets

GFCI outlets measure the electrical outlet installation’s current flowing in and out. A normal current is balanced, but any indication that the current is out of balance means something is wrong. GFCI outlets can quickly shut off the electricity if an imbalance in the circuit flow is detected, thus preventing damage from occurring. These outlets significantly reduce the risk of electric shock. They are used in areas where electrical appliances could be exposed to high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages. 

Childproof Outlets

Finally, there is the childproof outlet. These outlets, also known as tamper-resistant, are designed with built-in safety mechanisms to prevent children from inserting foreign objects into the slots. Childproof outlets have spring-loaded cover plates that close off the openings of the slots and reduce the risk of shock caused by accidental contact with a foreign object. 

Every year, roughly seven children a day suffer from shock or burn when items are placed into electrical outlets. Installing tamper-resistant outlets prevents this from happening and is highly recommended as the primary electrical outlet installation in homes with small children. Contact a professional electrician today for a consultation to see which outlets are best for your home.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric is the trusted electric repair company serving the Rhinelander area. With a highly experienced and tenured staff, they are dedicated to bringing exemplary results with on-time services to every one of their customers and straightforward pricing. Call In Control Technology today to talk about updating your electrical system in Rhinelander, WI!

Signs It’s Time for a New Electrical Panel 

The job of an electrical panel is to safely distribute power to the circuitry around the home. While electrical panels are expected to last for decades, they should not be neglected to avoid electrical hazards. Here is a brief guide to help homeowners know when they need an electrical panel replacement or upgrade. 

There’s a Fuse Box 

Every new home built for nearly the last 60 years has had an electrical panel installed. Before electrical panels became standard, fuse boxes were common. So, if a home still has a fuse box, the electrical system is out of date, and a new electrical panel should be installed to replace it.

Both circuit breakers in an electrical panel and fuses in a fuse box protect the home from fires by interrupting the flow of current when demand gets too high. However, circuit breakers are superior to fuses because circuit breakers can be reset after they stop an overload. Fuses, on the other hand, have to be replaced manually. 

Old Age or Signs of Corrosion 

Electrical panels that are too old or rusted and corroded should be replaced to prevent electrical hazards such as fires and to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of power throughout the home. The average life expectancy of an electrical panel is around 25 to 40 years, so when it’s in that range, an electrician should be called to inspect it and determine if a replacement is needed. 

Another important thing to pay attention to is the presence of rust and corrosion. Corrosion can occur on the outer surface of the panel itself, or it can occur inside the panel. If the electrical panel is rusted or corroded, an electrician should also be called to determine if a new panel is needed.  

Breakers That Trip Frequently 

Another sign that an electrical panel should be replaced or upgraded is circuit breakers that trip frequently. Circuit breakers may frequently trip due to loose connections caused by corrosion and wear and tear as the panel ages, the electrical panel being insufficient for the home’s electrical needs, or for another reason.

So, if homeowners find themselves constantly having to reset tripped breakers, it’s a sign that an electrician should be called immediately to inspect the system and determine the best solution to keep the electrical system safe, whether it’s to replace the electrical panel or another solution. 

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing, clean and professional service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for electrical panel replacement and repair services in Rhinelander, WI.

Electrical Upgrades That Are Beneficial in the Summer

Summer is an exciting time of year for many. People may be looking for ways to improve their homes this summer, whether they are looking for ways to make their summer more fun and enjoyable, more comfortable and efficient, or prevent electrical issues. This post will share some ideas for things that electricians can do to benefit homes this summer and beyond.

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans are the undersung heroes of creating a comfortable and efficient living environment. They can make the home feel cooler and more comfortable in the summer when used along with air conditioning, allowing people to turn up their thermostats several degrees to reduce energy usage and save on cooling costs.

However, ceiling fans can be beneficial beyond the summer because they can be used along with a heater in addition to air conditioning simply by changing which direction the fan spins. Ceiling fans should turn in the counterclockwise direction in the summer and clockwise at a low speed in the winter. Using this tip and adjusting the thermostat accordingly will help the system not have to work as hard, lowering energy costs, so ceiling fan installations can be a beneficial electrical upgrade. 

Whole House Surge Protector Installation

Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year, but summer is also a time when power surges are more common. Power surges are more common in the summer due to the increase in lightning, which can be a cause of power surges along with the increased demand for electricity from appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.

Power surges can wreak havoc on electronics and appliances in the home, causing damage to fragile parts of the devices that could mean expensive repairs or the need to replace them. The best way to avoid the unfortunate long-term damage and other hazards that can occur from a power surge is to install a whole-home surge protector. They will divert excess voltage away from the appliances or devices as soon as it hits, drastically lowering the chance of any damage to them and helping avoid replacing costly electronics and appliances.  

Pool and Hot Tub

Who hasn’t dreamed of adding a pool or a hot tub to their yard since they were a child? Summer is the perfect time to enjoy having a pool and hot tub at home and live out that childhood dream while investing in the value of the home and property. A pool or hot tub can enhance the home’s value and provide endless summer fun. 

However, it’s essential to have pool and hot tub wiring installed, repaired, and inspected by professionals to keep the entire family safe this summer. Installing lighting around pools and hot tubs is also important to keep people safe and prevent accidents, like people tripping or falling in the pool.

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has a staff with more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time services, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for electrical services in Rhinelander, WI. 

Avoid Electrical Hazards and Practice Electrical Safety!

Electricity is one of the most dangerous things people encounter on a daily basis. It is incredibly convenient and such a huge part of people’s everyday lives, so they often forget the hazardous nature of it when electrical safety isn’t practiced. In order to maintain a safe relationship with electricity, people should follow a few simple rules or habits that will help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Here are a few electrical safety tips in honor of National Electrical Safety Month. 

Don’t Overload Circuits and Outlets

One of the most common electrical hazards is an overloaded circuit. Homeowners tend to want to plug in as many things as possible, but they end up with an overloaded outlet and circuit. Some of the major hazards of overloaded circuits are electric shock, damaged appliances and electronics, and fire hazards, so it’s crucial to avoid them. 

In order to prevent overloaded circuits, it’s important to avoid plugging in too many items into a single outlet or circuit. Follow the one outlet, one appliance rule. Additionally, be mindful of the wattage of appliances, as high-wattage items can overload circuits more easily. Regularly inspect the outlets and circuits for signs of overloading, such as flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or a burning smell. If these indicators are noticed, unplug some appliances and call an electrician to assess the situation. By following these tips, homeowners can help prevent electrical hazards and maintain a safe home environment.

Install Tamper Resistant Outlets

Also called childproof outlets, tamper-resistant outlets are beneficial at helping prevent accidental electric shock. They provide a shutter over the outlet openings that can only be removed by equal pressure on both sides of the outlet, made possible with the two prongs of a plug. 

They prevent children, or anyone, from harming themselves by putting an object inside and getting an electrical shock. Homeowners may think that childproofing outlets only require plastic outlet caps, but these outlet covers can be removed and become a choking hazard for young children.

Don’t DIY, Call an Electrician

Because electricity is dangerous and often complex to work with, homeowners should not do their own electrical work and instead call an electrician after noticing signs of an electrical problem. Some common signs of electrical problems indicating they should call an electrician right away include:

• Burning smell
• Buzzing noise
• Electric shocks
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Hot-to-the-touch ceiling fixtures or outlets
• Circuit breaker trips frequently
• Outlets don’t work, are loose, or spark

About ICT Electric

ICT Electric has more than 30 years of experience serving the Rhinelander area. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and trusted technicians. Call them for electrical repair and installation services in Rhinelander, WI.